Downbeat Wenger pays Bayern tribute

Arsene Wenger has praised the ‘class’ of Bayern Munich and admits it’s almost impossible for Arsenal to progress any further in this season’s Champions League.

A 3-1 home defeat means Arsenal must score three goals without reply in the second leg, and given the German’s defensive efficiency that’s unlikely to happen.

“Let’s not hide the truth: it will be extremely difficult against a team of that quality,” he said.

“They didn’t play two finals in the last three years without that quality that we have seen tonight.

“We have to give our best there and hope that everything will go for us and hope that by the second leg we have built our confidence up a bit more to go into the game with the belief that will be needed.”

And although Arsenal went down, it wasn’t quite as tepid as it was against Blackburn last weekend.

“I think we had a good response today, the players gave absolutely everything. We played against a side who have no doubt at all.

“They have a history in the last six months where everything is positive and you could see as well that every player is confident to play with full power. That’s not completely our case at the moment. But things change sometimes quickly in three weeks, so let’s hope we can do it.

“Bayern is a quality side who can beat anybody in Europe. On top of that, we lack a bit of confidence, like at the moment. That makes them even better.”